It wasn’t until a year ago, when I took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test, did I truly understand myself. When my results said that I was an INFJ personality, and I read what it meant, I felt relieved, vindicated, and validated! FINALLY! For so many years, I felt like an oddball.
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator was developed by psychiatrist Carl Jung who believed that there are 16 personality types. INFJ stands for I (Introversion), N (Intuition), F (Feeling), J (Judgment) and turns out to be the rarest of them all – only 1% of the population has this particular combination.
What I realized about this personality, is that we are great at presenting ourselves as extroverts – we can schmooze, tell funny stories, avoid awkward silences, and speak in front of a crowd quite effortlessly. However, we are the opposite. We are actually introverts.
Being social can be physically and emotionally draining, to the point that we need a day or two to recover from back-to-back socializing. The holidays, for one, can be particularly exhausting, and it’s necessary to schedule in time to just be alone with our thoughts.
My whole life I knew I was “different.” I had a great time being with friends and family, but I also longed to go to a movie alone, get lost in a bookstore, or just sit at home and revel in doing absolutely nothing.
Growing up as a teen, there were many nights when I preferred to sit home and watch TV with my parents, while my friends were out partying. In college, I loved having nights to just drink hot cocoa and watch some cheesy Lifetime movie instead of going out to fraternities or clubs.
To this day, I still love spending a day to myself – getting lost in my own thoughts, journaling, blogging, or reading. Every once in awhile, I’ll watch TV.
I find myself having to push myself outside of my comfort zone to socialize more and put myself out there, but now that I understand myself better, I find it easier to balance my social life with my introverted self. I know when I need to recharge my battery, so I can be ready to tackle my job as a teacher or go out on the weekend.
Are any of you INFJs? Would love your comments.
To read up more on the INFJ personality, click here.
To take an online Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Test, click here.
You rock! It’s a great combination, much more pragmatic than myself. I tend to do things in waves, (things like procrastinating LOL). A wave of physical activity for a couple of months, then The mojo goes away for a while. A month of being organized, then a month of freewheeling. I must take this test and figure myseld out.
Haha! Yes, take the test – it was a real eye-opener for me!
My result:
MEDIATOR(INFP-A)
No one can stop you from dreaming!
MIND
This trait determines how we interact with our environment.
Extraverted
Introverted
24%
76%
ENERGY
This trait shows where we direct our mental energy.
Intuitive
Observant
85%
15%
NATURE
This trait determines how we make decisions and cope with emotions.
Thinking
Feeling
42%
58%
TACTICS
This trait reflects our approach to work, planning and decision-making.
Judging
Prospecting
49%
51%
IDENTITY
This trait underpins all others, showing how confident we are in our abilities and decisions.
Assertive
Turbulent
74%
26%
Results sent!
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MEDIATOR PERSONALITY
INFP, -A/-T
Great blog! I have learned to make sure that you get that time. Not always easy since I’m needy sometimes! 😜
Awesome. Thanks so much for sharing. Fellow INFJ!
I relate in every way to this, took the test years ago and every time I do it again the INFJ type comes up – introverts that pretend to be extroverts but need a rest afterwards!! Hehe
Exactly! It’s tiring! Lol
Interesting. I’m thinking about taking the test. Could give me some clarification.
The test is relatively easy – you should take it! Link is at the bottom of my post.
Yes! I am an INFJ too! Plus I believe, so is Oprah!! I love that this group has brought many of us together. It’s a comfortable group!
I agree, Sarah!